The Super Eagles will not play in Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, according to the decision made by the Nigeria Football Federation.
This comes after the crew was left stuck at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya for 12 gruelling hours since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
The Nigerian delegation’s leased aircraft was dangerously diverted to Al Abraq, a small airstrip usually used for hajj activities, mid-flight while they were en route to Benghazi for the pivotal qualifier.
The Libyan Football Federation neglected to provide transport, leaving officials and players stranded in the wake of the unplanned diversion.
The NFF described the chaotic situation in detail in a statement on Monday, stating that the squad was unable to get to their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away, and had been stuck at the airport for more than 12 hours.
“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.
The NFF added that the players, who were worn out and angry, had made the decision not to participate in the game.
In accordance with the players’ choice, the NFF is currently making plans for the team to return to Nigeria, thereby removing them from the game.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong responded to the issue by denouncing the actions of the Libyan government.
Early on Monday morning, Troost-Ekong accused the hosts of playing “mind games” and called the scenario “disgraceful” in a series of tweets.
He disclosed that the group is being held captive at a closed airport with no access to food, water, or a phone.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending.
“The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.
“They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.
“I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour,” he wrote.
Troost-Ekong also touched on the challenges encountered by the Tunisian pilot, who was able to make the last-minute destination change but was later denied lodging for his crew on government orders.
The Nigerian crew members were forced to sleep on the plane since they were not permitted to stay at the airport, although the pilot was allowed to relax.
“Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen anything like this before,” he wrote.
“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby hotel to rest with his crew but was denied at every hotel, again under government instruction.
” He could sleep there, but no Nigerian crew members were allowed.
“They have now returned to sleep on the plane, which is parked up,” Troost-Ekong added.
